US to invite Iranian officials to Fourth of July events

Jun 2, 2009, 17:54 GMT

Washington - The United States intends to invite Iranian officials to embassy festivities celebrating American independence, the US State Department confirmed Tuesday.

The move is consistent with recent efforts by President Barack Obama to reach out to the Iranians to work towards resolving the longstanding tension between the two countries on a host of issues, particularly Tehran's nuclear aspirations.

US embassies around the world mark the Fourth of July holiday, which in the past has included serving hot dogs and patriotic themes. Iranian officials have not been invited to attend these events since formal diplomatic relations were severed three decades ago.

'We review these types of invitations every year, and a decision was made this year to invite officials from Iran,' State Department deputy spokesman Robert Wood said. 'So this is very much in line with our policy of trying to engage the Iranian government.'

The State Department issued a cable telling US missions that Iranian officials 'may be invited' to the events, Wood said, adding that final decisions will be left to individual embassies.

Obama has said he is open to a broader dialogue with the Iranian government to work on resolving differences, and hopes to see a positive response from Tehran by the end of this year.

The United States declared independence from Britain on July 4, 1776.